Figuring Out Return Flight

[Strikan]

Hey all - looking for a bit of advice. We are traveling on the Fantasy and I am trying to figure out what flight to book for our return home. The ship supposedly docks around 7:30am at Cape Canaveral. In your experience, what time flight do you think it would be safe to book out of Orlando? My options for my preferred carrier are 10:30am or 5:30pm. 10:30 am seems too early to get off the ship, get to the airport, go through security etc. Whereas 5:30pm seems to late.

What is a general estimate of how long it takes to get off the ship and get to the airport?

Many thanks.

 

[Marc D]

The ship docks earlier than that. You can usually get off the ship around 7:15-7:30 with the Express walk-off (where you keep your luggage with you instead of putting it outside your cabin the night before). If your transport is ready to go (rental car or limo) and all goes well, you can be at MCO at 9ish, leaving you 1,5 hours for checking-in and security. MCO can be a pain since there is no dedicated line for families with small children (no point !).

We've done it twice in the past (10:25 flight both times), cutting it very close the last time. We were the last to check-in after arguing at the counter. Never again. We prefer to extend our vacation to the next day, visiting either WDW, Kennedy Space Center or Disney springs.

I'd go for the 5:30 flight.

 

[Strikan]

So I should be fine with a 1pm flight?

 

[mmouse37]

Yes, a 1 pm flight is perfect.

MJ

 

[Strikan]

Thanks for the info. One other question, I am flying JetBlue, so is there an onboard check-in arrangement with the ship so your bags just go from the stateroom directly to your flight?

 

[PrincessShmoo]

Thanks for the info. One other question, I am flying JetBlue, so is there an onboard check-in arrangement with the ship so your bags just go from the stateroom directly to your flight?

This is from our 2014 cruise (pretty sure it's still good):
From Port Canaveral: (from cruise documents 8/9/2014) The requirements are below

1. • You must have purchased DCL Air and/or DCL Ground Transfers
   • Your flight has to leave from Orlando International Airport after 11:30 am on the same day your cruise vacation ends.
   • Your flight must be on a participating airline:

Alaska Airlines
American Airlines (USAirways merged)
Delta Air Lines
JetBlue Airways
United Airlines

1. • Your final destination must be within the U.S. (including Puerto Rico and the U.S. Virgin Islands)
   • Each luggage piece can weigh no more than fifty (50) pounds.
   • Airline specific baggage fees may apply and can vary by airline. Please check with your specific carrier for more details.
   • Applicable airline baggage fees will be posted directly to your shipboard account.

Some Guests may be selected to check in at the airport and may not be able to use this service.

 

[Shanti]

Thanks for the info. One other question, I am flying JetBlue, so is there an onboard check-in arrangement with the ship so your bags just go from the stateroom directly to your flight?

Yes, but only for flights departing after 11:30am.